Meet Yordanka Nikolova, Bar Manager at The Wolseley, Piccadilly

Meet Yordanka Nikolova, Bar Manager at The Wolseley, Piccadilly

How long have you been with The Wolseley Hospitality Group? Tell us about your journey within the company.

The Wolseley journey has been an amazing adventure for me! It all started at Colbert, where I began as a bartender, soaking up everything I could about the craft. After proving myself behind the bar, I had the chance to step up as Assistant Bar Manager. It was a whirlwind, but I thrived under the pressure. I spent 2 really happy years at Colbert before being asked to support the team with the launch of Manzi’s, our seafood restaurant in Soho. After my stint at Manzi’s, I returned to Colbert towards the end of last year to assist during their busy period.

Then, in January this year, I spotted the opportunity of a lifetime - the Bar Manager position at the iconic Wolseley. The Wolseley has this legendary reputation, and let's just say, it totally lives up to the hype! This role wasn't just about stepping into a renowned establishment; it was a chance to push myself and learn from some of the best. I applied with determination and passion, and I'm thrilled to say that I landed the role. I'm incredibly proud to be a part of The Wolseley team, and I'm excited about the journey ahead!

?

So tell us more about your journey into hospitality.

My journey into hospitality has been quite a unique one because it’s totally unrelated to my studies, yet it’s won my heart. It all began when I moved to England from Bulgaria in 2007, immersing myself in the vibrant restaurant and bar scene in Liverpool. Those early years ignited my passion for hospitality, and I loved in the fast-paced atmosphere of the industry.

After three years, I returned to Bulgaria to pursue my studies, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and Statistics. This might seem like an unusual combination, but my fascination with how data can be used for making important decisions and my love for understanding human behaviour and cultures ?- this just seemed like a great combination. Sociology taught me such great lessons about adaptability, tolerance, and the importance of being able to collaborate with different and diverse cultures.

I wanted to learn more, so I pursued a Master's Degree in Business Management with a specialisation in business communication. Communication is like the glue that holds a business together - it ensures everyone's on the same page, working towards the same goals, and helps things run smoothly.

But my thirst for knowledge didn't stop there. In 2016, I moved to London and delved into the world of music production, followed by a current pursuit of studies in software engineering.

Throughout my studies, I have continued to gain practical experience in hospitality, working at places like Soho House, as well as securing a rewarding role as Café and Restaurant Manager at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Leading a team of 100 in such a prestigious setting was both challenging and immensely fulfilling.

However, like many in our industry, the onset of the pandemic brought so many changes. As we emerged from lockdown, I took the opportunity to reassess my career path. Despite having held managerial positions, I found myself drawn back to the warmth and camaraderie of frontline hospitality.

Joining Colbert as a bartender might have seemed like a step back, but it felt like coming home. The supportive environment, bustling floor, and excellent reputation of the establishment reaffirmed my love for hospitality. And now, as Bar Manager at The Wolseley, I feel like I've come full circle, realising a dream I've long aspired to achieve.

Each step of my journey has shaped me into the hospitality professional I am today. I'm grateful – so many lessons, such a fabulous journey – what else can I say?!

?

Congratulations on your promotion to Bar Manager – tell us about your team.

We are a total of 9 in the team – I work alongside 2 incredible head bartenders and a passionate team of bartenders. The management team at The Wolseley are so supportive – it’s hard to explain how deeply satisfying it is to work with people who genuinely care about you, your development and the company. I’m really grateful.

?

What is your favourite part of the drinks industry?

Actually, I really love learning about the wines, so that is where my focus is moving forward – that’s where I want to develop my skills. We have an amazing Head of Wine Nicolas Pierron and I have put myself on all of his training/?masterclasses so that I can soak up the knowledge and enjoy the tastings. We are very fortunate to have some of the best wine training in our industry.

?

Who in our business inspires you? And also, who in life inspires you?

In my life, people who are dedicated and work hard have always inspired me, no matter who they are. I’m talking about people who always do things the right way (even when no one is looking) and want to progress and improve themselves. In years gone by, it wasn’t always as easy as it is for women in our industry, and I feel like there are so many women in history who have made it possible and easier for people like me to succeed in hospitality today.

Of course outside of the industry, I know two people in particular who exemplify exactly those qualities and those are my parents. My mother, in particular, is a remarkable woman whose strength and resilience have shaped me into the confident, independent person I am today.

In the realm of hospitality, I've had the privilege of learning from some truly exceptional individuals. Vitek stands out as someone who imparted invaluable knowledge and skills during my time working with him. His openness to new ideas, willingness to lend a helping hand, and unwavering support for his colleagues left a lasting impression on me.

At Colbert, Bennoit's passion for delivering outstanding service was infectious, and I found myself inspired by his dedication to excellence.

Now, at The Wolseley, I have the pleasure of working alongside remarkable individuals like Clarissa, a Restaurant Manager at The Wolseley whose unwavering commitment to her craft, attention to detail, and tireless work ethic serve as constant sources of inspiration for me. I have no doubt that she is destined for great things in our industry.

I also have the privilege of working alongside Minas Kotoulas , our Head of Bars, who guides me in all aspects of the industry. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Finally, I am really excited to be working under the living legend that is Daniele Scarfone , I believe he can teach me a great deal, and I know he is really supportive of his team.

?

How would your co-workers describe your management style?

My co-workers would likely describe my management style as one centred around delegation and trust. I firmly believe in empowering my team to take ownership of their tasks and responsibilities, without micromanaging every detail. This allows everyone to showcase their strengths and capabilities.

I also pride myself on my ability to multitask pretty well. Whether it's juggling lots of projects or supporting team members on a busy shift, I seem to be at my best when there’s plenty going on.

Above all, I think my co-workers would say that I care very much about my team. I make it a priority to listen to their concerns, provide support and guidance when they need it, and ?I encourage them to go further in their professional development.

?

What is your vision for The Wolseley Bar this year?

Well, everything we do, we do as a team, so I’m looking forward to collaborating with our team to create something exciting for our next menu change. It is significant when everyone in the team has an input into the final cocktail selection, so I am genuinely looking forward to some great ideas and tasting sessions with the team. Watch this space for our next menu change…

Of course one thing I think I may introduce if the mocktail I created at Colbert called Peach Breeze – to this day it’s still the umber one mocktail at Colbert so I think we should borrow that and bring it along to The Wolseley – it will be perfect for the autumn months.

?

Tell me one reason why working for The Wolseley Hospitality Group is awesome.

Firstly, the people in our business take care of things – no matter the challenge we may face, they work together to find a solution to get things done. Secondly, there are many options to develop your career – they offer exceptional training opportunities so you really have got access to support, guidance and development.

?

So why pick hospitality? What would you say to young people at school about our industry?

Hospitality to me is like school – a school of life. It can shape your character, your idea of people, and it teaches you how to interact with people from all walks of life. You learn so many skills that you can use in any job. I think if young people went straight into hospitality before they went to university they would learn so many valuable life skills. I’ve learned so much about people, compassion, empathy, money…the list goes one. And it really opens doors – you don’t need fancy qualifications for hospitality – you can learn on the job, you can travel with the work, you can make your journey in hospitality whatever you want it to be. Unlike many other fields, hospitality offers a level playing field where dedication and hard work can pave the way for success, regardless of formal qualifications. How many other industries can offer that?

?

Why do you love what you do?

I love what I do because it keeps me on my toes every single day. Sure, there are challenges, but honestly, I see them as opportunities to learn. Whether it's making sure everything runs smoothly during the busiest of times or finding creative solutions to unexpected problems, I love the excitement of overcoming obstacles.

But what really makes my heart sing is the people. I get to meet such a diverse range of folks every day - from business professionals to families celebrating special occasions. It's these moments that make my job really special. Making someone's day, even in a small way, brings lots of joy.

In a nutshell, this isn't just a job - it's a chance to make a difference, to connect with others, and to keep growing personally and professionally. And that's why I love it.

?

Do you have a super power?

You know, if I had to pick a superpower, it would have to be my ability to cook some seriously delicious pasta dishes. Even though I'm not Italian, I'm pretty good at making homemade pasta and sauces from scratch. There's just something so lovely about seeing the smiles on people's faces when they taste my creations.

?

What’s your favourite cocktail to prepare?

I love preparing classic cocktails from the Martini cocktail family. For me, this is the foundation of my cocktail journey.


And favourite wine?

I love wines from the old world – Italy, France, Germany etc. I don’t have a favourite, each type of grape has it’s own unique characteristics. We love to say in Bulgaria that wine is like a woman…as the years pass they develop more character and complexity.

?

Is it tough for women to work in the drinks industry?

No, not any more. These days there’s nothing a women can’t do – so if you love the drinks industry, come and join us. Everyone is welcome.

?

Do you have a mantra or motto in life that you follow?

My mom and grandmother were both such strong, powerful women. They showed resilience and grit even when times were tough, so I think for me, my mantra is that you can always find a way to make it through tough times, just keep going.

Daniel Craig

General Manager at The Wolseley Hospitality Group

6 个月

And so great to work alongside..!

要查看或添加评论,请登录

The Wolseley Hospitality Group的更多文章

社区洞察

其他会员也浏览了